Twin Lake (Upper) Fish Stocking
Montana · 1979–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Twin Lake (Upper) was last stocked July 16, 2025 with Arctic Grayling. Twin Lake (Upper) has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1979–2025, with about 17,585 fish stocked over that period.
When Twin Lake (Upper) is stocked
Twin Lake (Upper) is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Twin Lake (Upper)
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Montana.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Twin Lake (Upper), they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Twin Lake (Upper) was last stocked July 16, 2025, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Montana freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Montana license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Montana fish & wildlife agency.Official Montana regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Twin Lake (Upper):
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Twin Lake (Upper)
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Twin Lake (Upper), freshest activity first.
Ruby River Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 189 records
Last stocked June 2026
Elk Lake
10 mi3 species · 198 records
Last stocked May 2026
Reservoir Lake
0 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2022
Axolotl Lake
1 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2022
Vigilante Pond
6 mi2 species · 253 records
Last stocked July 2017
Ennis Kids Pond
10 mi1 species · 199 records
Last stocked June 2008
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 16, 2025 | Arctic Grayling | 450 | 5.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2024 | Arctic Grayling | 300 | 5.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2023 | Arctic Grayling | 600 | 6.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2022 | Arctic Grayling | 225 | 2.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2021 | Arctic Grayling | 185 | 6.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2021 | Arctic Grayling | 215 | 5.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2020 | Arctic Grayling | 225 | 6.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2020 | Arctic Grayling | 225 | 6.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 31, 2018 | Arctic Grayling | 200 | 6.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2016 | Arctic Grayling | 320 | 4.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2014 | Arctic Grayling | 500 | 5.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2013 | Arctic Grayling | 500 | 5.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2012 | Arctic Grayling | 500 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2011 | Arctic Grayling | 625 | 4.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2010 | Arctic Grayling | 750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2009 | Arctic Grayling | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2008 | Arctic Grayling | 750 | 5.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2000 | Arctic Grayling | 2,452 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1988 | Arctic Grayling | 2,818 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,020 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 225 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Twin Lake (Upper) last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Twin Lake (Upper) was last stocked July 16, 2025 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Twin Lake (Upper)?
Twin Lake (Upper) is stocked with Arctic Grayling and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Twin Lake (Upper) stocked?
Twin Lake (Upper) is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Twin Lake (Upper) stocked?
Twin Lake (Upper) is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1979 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Twin Lake (Upper)?
About 17,585 fish have been stocked in Twin Lake (Upper) across 24 recorded events since 1979, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Twin Lake (Upper)?
Fish stocked in Twin Lake (Upper) average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Twin Lake (Upper)?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Montana freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Montana fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Twin Lake (Upper)?
Freshly stocked trout in Twin Lake (Upper) typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.